_The word which came unto Jeremiah in the days of Jehoiakim,_ &c. Here we have another evidence that the prophecies of this book are not placed in that order wherein they were delivered, for all the intermediate prophecies from chap. 26. belong clearly to the reign of Zedekiah; and consequently are... [ Continue Reading ]
_Go to the house of the Rechabites_ “The Rechabites, as may be collected from Jeremiah 35:7, were not of the children of Israel, but strangers of another race that dwelt among them. From 1 Chronicles 2:55, they appear to have been _Kenites_, a people originally settled in that part of Arabia Petræa... [ Continue Reading ]
_I set before the sons of the Rechabites pots full of wine_, &c. In obedience to God's command, (Jeremiah 35:2,) and that the prophet might have full proof of their fixed resolution to adhere to the injunction of their progenitor Jonadab, which no temptation could prevail with them to violate. _But... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab our father_ We have conformed ourselves to his injunctions, and governed our lives by them, during the space of nearly three hundred years. _But when Nebuchadrezzar came, &c., we said, Come, let us go to Jerusalem_ The Rechabites appear to have retired withi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah_ As the trial of the constancy of the Rechabites was only intended for a sign, so now we have the application of it made by God himself. _Tell the men of Judah, Will ye not receive instruction?_ &c. Will nothing enlighten or affect you? Will nothing prev... [ Continue Reading ]
_Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold_, &c. Because they have not obeyed the precepts of my word, I will therefore perform the threatenings of it. _I will bring upon Judah, &c._ Namely, by the Chaldean army; _all the evil that I have pronounced against them_ Both in the law and in the prophets; _be... [ Continue Reading ]
_Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites_, &c. Mercy is here promised to the family of the Rechabites for their steady and unanimous adherence to the laws of their house. Though it was only for the shaming of Israel that their constancy was tried, yet, being unshaken, God takes occasion from... [ Continue Reading ]